#439: Going for Gold
Hello, Bertie here with a most delicious fondue. I wasn’t intending to have fondue, but I accidentally left my cheese out in the sunshine, and, well, this was the yummy result. I’m having to be very careful as I watch the Olympics that I don’t get too excited and miss my mouth. I’ve been trying out my gymnastics skills at St Paul’s, as it’s so lovely and cool in there, and I could definitely win gold if I was up against Simone Biles. I’ve been twirling and flipping and somersaulting all across the pews for days…in fact, I deserve, no demand, a medal. WHERE’S MY GOLD MEDAL?! WHERE?!
Well, I’m not really sure how to answer that Bertie, sadly I’m not a judge at the Mouse Olympics, but if anyone reading this fancies volunteering, let me know!
This Week
Sunday services are Parish Mass at St Paul’s, 9.30am, Woosehill at 10am and St Nick’s at 11am. Wokingham Art Exhibition finishes this Saturday in the Parish Rooms, so if you haven’t yet been down and had a look, now’s your chance, and it does mean that this weeks Coffee and Chat on Friday is at Woosehill Church again. Thank you to all those who have volunteered and helped serving tea and coffee.
Coming Up…
Organ Recital
Thanks to all those who have sponsored Christopher Cipkin to play their favourite organ pieces in the next and final recital of the current series. Don’t miss what promises to be a fantastic musical treat at St Paul’s on Sunday 18 August at 6.15pm. Admission free, with retiring collection in aid of the organ restoration fund, and interval refreshments.
A new class starting in September:
SimplyFit Berkshire – SIT Fit Exercise Classes
Weekly 11/09/2024
11:45 – 12:45
A combination of seated and standing exercises designed to improve fitness, strength, stamina, and balance. Suitable for Older Adults and those returning to exercise from illness or injury. Taught by Level 3 Pilates Instructors. Visit http://www.SimplyFitBerkshire.co.uk and click on ‘Courses’ to find out more.
And also this new Art Workshop at the Parish Rooms:
Cedar Tree News
As some of you will know, we have been concerned for some time about the health of the big cedar tree in the front of the churchyard, which is leaning towards the church and has a large split in its stem. The tree was surveyed ten years ago and bracing works were carried out at that time in order to extend its life for about 10 years.
Earlier this year the PCC obtained a report from Tree Surveys Limited which advised that the tree was not in a safe condition and should be removed as soon as possible. Sadly there is no realistic possibility of extending the life of the tree further.
Contractors have been appointed to fell the tree and the work is to be done on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd August. We decided to get the job done during the school holidays to keep disruption of traffic to a minimum. A heavy crane will be employed, which means that the Reading Road will be closed between Holt Lane and Station Approach on the 22nd and for part of the 23rd.
The Wokingham Society have offered us a generous grant of £5000 towards the cost of removing the tree (which is around £13,000), on the condition that a replacement tree is planted.
David Ruddock
Ride & Stride on Sat 14th September 2024
St Paul’s has supported Ride & Stride for many years by volunteers participating as Walkers or Riders and in Welcoming visitors to St Paul’s church during the day. However, you will not have failed to notice that this year Ride & Stride falls the day before Fr Richard’s licensing in Norwich. There are many members of the parish who will be travelling to Norwich before the 15th.
Therefore, please can you let me know by email, no later than 4th August, whether you are available and interested in either:
a) participating as a walker or rider on behalf of St Pauls this year; or
b) being in church for an hour between 10am and 6pm on 14th September to welcome visitors, letting me know what times during the day you would be able to do.
Many thanks
Andrew Harte
